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Robbie Deans backs Australia squad to seal series win over the Lions

Australia head coach Robbie Deans claims his side are "confident" of claiming a series-deciding victory over the Lions.

Last Updated: 06/07/13 10:23am

The Wallabies head into the match on the back of a 16-15 victory in Melbourne - with the win levelling the series after the Lions had won the opening Test 23-21.

And Deans, who has made just the one change to his line-up with the recall of George Smith, saw enough in the final quarter of second Test to convince him that his side can emulate the class of 2001 and seal a 2-1 success.

"We're very confident," said Deans.

"We can honestly say we haven't played our best footy throughout the series thus far and probably made too many errors to give ourselves an opportunity to play any sort of fast, flowing rugby.

"We were able to do that in the last 20-30 minutes in the Test in Melbourne and the thing is we will take a lot of confidence out of that moving forward and we have to make sure that we start well.

"I think we have been chasing the game a little bit too much in the last two tests and playing off the back foot.

'Freak'

"So if we can start well and give ourselves a good opportunity to get into the game then we definitely back ourselves to play some good rugby and really have a go."

Australia scrum-half Will Genia believes the inclusion of Smith has given the squad a massive lift heading into the decider, which will be shown live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 10am.

Smith last played for the Wallabies against Wales in November 2009, with the flanker going on to play in France and Japan.

However his form for the Brumbies, after returning on loan from Suntory, has seen he handed a sensational recall.

"George is a freak," said Genia. "He's come back earlier than expected (from injury) and he looks in great shape. He's running around like he's 21," Genia told a press conference on the eve of the match.

"He's got great enthusiasm, he's got great respect from the guys and great respect from people in the game. He offers so much with his experience, with his ability at the breakdown.

"For a lot of us, he has an aura about him and to have him in your side means a lot and definitely gives me a lift coming into this Test."